THE achievements of local health project, Butterwick Outreach Day Hospices, was celebrated at the National Lottery Awards last Saturday.

The South Durham scheme was recognised as one of the UK’s best lottery-funded health projects at a star-studded ceremony in London.

Staff and volunteers from the scheme which provides invaluable care and support to the terminally ill and their families across rural areas of County Durham mingled with celebrity guests at the star-studded award show, which was broadcast live on BBC 1.

A record number of public votes were cast in the awards and Butterwick Outreach Day Hospices received a huge show of public support throughout all stages of the competition to become a runner-up in the Best Health Project category.

Paula Wood, nurse manager at Butterwick Outreach Day Hospices, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have reached the finals. We beat hundreds of other projects from all over the UK to get to this stage and it has been the most tremendous experience.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we received from the public.

“The awards have been a fantastic opportunity for us to thank everyone who is involved in our project, especially the people behind the scenes who have allowed us to make the most of our lottery funding and help make our project a success.”